"If you think so, you are at liberty to step back," Washington promptly answered.
Just then a musket ball struck the cannon in the embrasure, rolled along, and fell at the general's feet.
"My dear general, we can't spare you yet," exclaimed General Knox, grasping Washington's arm.
"Only a spent ball," responded Washington coolly; "no harm was done."
On the 17th of October Cornwallis sent a flag, with a letter, to Washington, asking for a cessation of hostilities twenty-four hours, that consultation might be had respecting terms of surrender. It was not, however, until the 19th that the terms of capitulation were agreed upon, and the renowned Cornwallis with his army became Washington's prisoners.
The time and method of the formal surrender being agreed upon, Washington warned his troops against any exultant demonstrations that might wound the feelings of the conquered.
"My brave fellows," he said, "let no sensation of satisfaction for the triumphs you have gained induce you to insult your fallen enemy. Let no shouting, no clamorous huzzaing, increase their mortification. Posterity will huzza for us."
By the surrender of Cornwallis, Washington received over seven thousand prisoners, and one hundred and sixty pieces of cannon. Counting the sailors, negroes, and Tories who became prisoners, the whole number amounted to nearly twelve thousand.
Thatcher describes the scene of the formal surrender as follows: